NORDIC CUP TOURNAMENT RULES & POLICIES:
Table of Contents REGISTRATION .................................................................................................................................... 2 RULES ...................................................................................................................................................... 3 AGE GROUPS/ROSTER SIZE/FORMAT OF PLAY/GAME LENGTH ................................. 3 TOURNAMENT SECTIONS ............................................................................................................... 4 NUMBER OF GAMES/GAME LENGTH ........................................................................................ 4 GAME SCHEDULES ............................................................................................................................ 4 OFFICIATING ......................................................................................................................................... 4 COACHING……………………………………………………………………………………...4
CAUTION AND EJECTION……………………………………………………………………4
INCLEMENT WEATHER .................................................................................................................... 5 SUBSTITUTIONS .................................................................................................................................. 6 MAXIMUM GOAL DIFFERENTIAL ................................................................................................. 6 FORFEITS ............................................................................................................................................... 6 ADVANCEMENT TO CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY ............................................................................ 6 SEMI-FINALS ......................................................................................................................................... 7 CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES .................................................................................................................. 7 AWARDS……………………………………………………………………………………......7
PLAYER SAFETY ................................................................................................................................. 7 UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................................ 8 GAMEBALLS……………………………………………………………………………………8
FIELD MARSHALS .............................................................................................................................. 8 TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR AND COMMITTEE ......................................................................... 8 PROTESTS ............................................................................................................................................. 8 REFUND POLICY ................................................................................................................................. 8 DISCLAIMER .......................................................................................................................................... 8 1
NORDIC CUP TOURNAMENT RULES & POLICIES:
REGISTRATION
Early Bird Registration closes April 15th, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. Team must be paid in full to
receive early bird discount. Payments need to be made online (preferred) or payment envelop
must be postmarked April 15th, 2017. Any team that applies at the early bird registration rate
and fails to make payment by required deadline will be moved the the regular registration pool.
Teams are no accepted into the event until they are paid in full. No exceptions will be made.
Regular Registration closes May 5th, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. Payments need to be made online
(preferred) or payment envelop must be postmarked May 5th, 2017. Any team that applies and
fails to make payment by required deadline will not be accepted into the event. Teams are no
accepted into the event until they are paid in full. No exceptions will be made.
All 11U and 12U teams will play in Stowe, Vermont.
All other age groups will play in the Burlington, Vermont area.
The Nordic Soccer Club has partnered with RoomRoster for all hotel accommodations
management for the 2017 Nordic Cup. The RoomRoster Event Support System is a convenient
online web and mobile application built to help teams register for the tournament, select and
manage their team hotel for a tournament. RoomRoster has pre-selected Official Tournament
Host Hotels in order to provide teams with the best options on value, location and amenities. All
travel teams attending the Nordic Cup are required to book their hotels through RoomRoster as a
condition of final acceptance into the tournament as a 'travel team'. 'Travel teams' are teams that
are travelling from 90 miles’ distance or greater from the primary venues in Burlington and
Stowe, VT.
Through the Tournament registration process, the Team Manager will be able to select the team
hotel, a unique Team Member link is created and emailed to the Team Manager for them to
forward to each Team Member who wants to book a room from the team’s block. Hotels require
a two-night minimum stay.
A dedicated Support Team is available at RoomRoster in order to service questions and provide
assistance for Team Managers. Team Managers can contact the Support Team by dialing 1-888723-2064 or by email via [email protected].
Teams participating and traveling 90 miles to their competition venue in the Tournament must
(as a condition of acceptance) make all hotel accommodations using our tournament housing
service. Teams not using our tournament housing service may be disqualified or sanctioned by
tournament director and will not receive a refund.
Tournament check in, Roster, Medical waiver forms: Will be done electronically on our
Tournament platform. Roster and medical waiver forms must be completed and uploaded on the
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tournament platform site by Wednesday, June 7th. Tournament Check in must be completed by
Friday, June 16 by 1 p.m. There will not be an in-person check in process Friday night or at the
field.
RULES
FIFA Laws are in effect, with modifications as published below. Website rules supersede all
other published Tournament Rules.
AGE GROUPS/ROSTER SIZE/FORMAT OF PLAY/GAME LENGTH
The age group structure as established by US Soccer will govern. All players (including guest
players) must have been born during the specified year for their age classification.
Age Group
Roster Max
Format
Length
U10: 2007
14
7v7
25-minute halves
U11: 2006
16
9v9
25-minute halves
U12: 2005
16
9v9
25-minute halves
U13: 2004
22 (18 dress)
11v11
30-minute halves
U14: 2003
22 (18 dress)
11v11
30-minute halves
U15: 2002
22 (18 dress)
11v11
30-minute halves
U16: 2001
22 (18 dress)
11v11
30-minute halves
U17: 2000
22 (18 dress)
11v11
30-minute halves
U18: 1999
22 (18 dress)
11v11
30-minute halves
U19: August 1, 1997
22 (18 dress)
11v11
30-minute halves
ROSTER AND PLAYER PASSES
Current player passes for all players must be available to present and verified against the team
roster as requested by the referee, field marshal, tournament committee and or tournament
director. Teams should be prepared to present player passes/official roster at any time
during the tournament.
• A valid roster (from US Youth Soccer or other Soccer Organizational Member).
• Teams must have completed the required Nordic Cup electronic medical release forms
for all players.
• Players may only be rostered to ONE team entered in the tournament.
• Each team is allowed three (3) guest players. The total number of guest players may be
waived by the tournament director in advance of Nordic Cup. Guest players may only
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appear on ONE roster, must be added on the tournament platform site, and must have a
valid player pass (from US Youth Soccer or other Soccer Organizational Member).
TOURNAMENT SECTIONS
There will be multiple divisions at each age level: Premier and Club Teams.
NUMBER OF GAMES/GAME LENGTH
Subject to weather and other conditions beyond the control of the Tournament Committee, each
team entering the tournament is guaranteed 3 qualifying games (unless a team forfeits).
Qualifying and playoff game length is listed above, with one 5-minute half time interval. There
will be no extension of time for substitutions, injuries or balls out of play, mandated water breaks
– the play clock will run continuously. At the conclusion of each game the two coaches and the
referee will sign the scorecard attesting to the game score. If any game is terminated after one
half of play, the score at the time will stand and the game will be considered official. Teams
named first in the schedule will be considered the home team. Home team must change to an
alternate jersey in the event of a color conflict.
GAME SCHEDULES
Qualifying games will be played on Saturday and Sunday between 8:00 AM and 7:30 PM with
semi-final and championship games on Sunday when applicable. Coaches may coach more than
one team as long as each team has a different, credentialed Assistant Coach. Once the schedule
has been published, no further changes will be made (unless a team drops out, field conditions
change, or other issues as determined by the Tournament Committee come up that require a
schedule change).
OFFICIATING
Qualified officials will officiate each game. Most if not all games will be officiated by a referee
and 2 assistant referees in the U13 – U19 brackets, although the availability of qualified referees
might necessitate the use of fewer linesmen at some games played by the youngest age
groups. For U10-12 games you should expect only one official for games. Nordic Cup
Tournament Zero Tolerance Policy is in effect for the duration of the tournament.
COACHING
All Coaches have total responsibility for the conduct of their players, substitutes, friends and
spectators at all times. Coaching from the sidelines (giving direction to one's own team on points
of strategy and position) is permitted, provided: ● No mechanical devices are used; ● The tone
of the voice is instructive and not derogatory; ● Each coach or substitute remains within 10 yards
on either side of the halfway line; ● No coach, substitute, or spectator makes derogatory remarks
or gestures to the referees, other coaches, players, substitutes, or spectators; ● No coach,
substitute, or spectator uses profanity or incites, in any manner, disruptive behavior.
CAUTIONS AND EJECTIONS
A player receiving two cautions (yellow cards) in a single game is considered to have been given
an ejection (red card). A player who has been ejected (sent off), will not be replaced. A player
who has been ejected will not return for that game and will not be allowed to participate in the
next scheduled game. A player who is ejected for violent conduct or serious foul play may be
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expelled from the tournament, at the discretion of the Tournament Director. Any player or coach
who assaults a referee will be expelled from the Tournament. A coach who has been ejected
(sent off) will not be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game, and may be expelled
from the tournament at the discretion of the Tournament Director. During game suspension(s) for
coaches, there can be NO contact between the team and the coach during the game and the coach
must be out of sight and sound of the field. Additionally, the coach must not be involved in
unacceptable conduct (defined as coaching his/her players by any means or method, or
harassment of opponents/players/referees/staff). Failure to adhere to this rule will result in an
immediate ejection from the tournament for the coach. The tournament director will notify the
appropriate federation regarding disciplinary actions taken.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In the case of inclement weather every attempt will be made to play all scheduled games in the
tournament. At the sole discretion of the Tournament Director and Committee, some games may
be declared a 0 - 0 tie and not be made up. The following priority will be given to games needing
to be made up:
• Teams that have not yet played a game in the tournament
• Teams that have only played one game in the tournament
• Games that will have a material impact on the final standings; however, all play is
considered final even if games cannot be scheduled for a makeup.
• All other games
If inclement weather affects a game and it is rescheduled by the tournament, the time and field
location then becomes final. Failure to play the game will result in a forfeit.
The lightning policy for the tournament is as follows:
At the first visible sign of lightning (or sound of thunder), regardless of the estimated distance
from the field, all play will be stopped and players and spectators will be asked to move to a safe
location. For all games that were in progress the game clock will continue to run. If at least half
of a regulation game has been played, the game shall be considered official and the score at the
point of cancellation shall be recorded as the final score. If 5 minutes or less remain in the first
half and the score has a 2 or more goal differential, the game will be declared official and the
score shall be recorded as the final score. If the game had not reached 5 minutes or less before
half time, (in other words 24 minutes into a 30-minute half), every attempt will be made to make
up the game. If a game must be stopped before halftime, the Tournament Director and
Committee will rule on its rescheduling or other resolution. Such a game may be temporarily
halted or recommenced, picking up where play was halted. Regardless of weather conditions, it
is the responsibility of all affected teams to monitor the status of their games (via the tournament
website) and to appear with their team ready to play as scheduled by the Tournament Director if
games are recommenced. The referee, Tournament Director, or field marshal may postpone any
game. Once the decision is made to cancel a game, that decision is final. Teams that continue to
play may be suspended from tournament. In all cases, the Tournament reserves the right to
abbreviate or shorten all games in order to adjust to weather or other complications that may
occur.
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Play will not resume until 30 minutes after the last visible lightning/thunder is seen (regardless of
the estimated distance from the field). When play is resumed the scheduled game closest to the
time play is to resume will begin. For example, if play is stopped at 2:50 pm and restarted at 5:20
pm the teams scheduled to play closest to 5:20 pm will play, NOT the teams scheduled to play at
2:50 pm. Every attempt will be made to make up the 2:50 pm game at a later date and time.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Eligible players from the roster shall be allowed to substitute for players on the field subject to
permission and signal by the referee. Substitutions may be made at any stoppage of play subject
to the Referee's Discretion. Less than 2 minutes of play remaining in the game it will solely be
up to the Referee's Discretion. In the event of a cautioning, only the player(s) cautioned may be
substituted for, (not mandatory): opposing team is entitled to a like number of substitutions at
that time. In the event of injury, both teams may substitute freely.
MAXIMUM GOAL DIFFERENTIAL
For qualifying games, in the event of a strongly one-sided game, the maximum goal differential
that will be recorded will be 4 goals even if the margin of victory was greater than 4 goals.
FORFEITS
All teams are expected to be at the appropriate field at the time when they are scheduled to play.
In the event of a team not appearing at the scheduled time, a 4-0 win may be awarded to the
opponent after consultation with, and at the discretion of, the Referee and Tournament
Committee. All decisions of these committees are final. Any team that does not play all 3 games
will be ineligible for the playoffs. (In other words, even if you qualify for the playoffs after 2
games, you need to play your 3rd game).
ADVANCEMENT TO CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY
Standings will be determined on the basis of points earned as follows:
• 3 points for a win
• 1 point for a tie
• 0 points for a loss
In the event of a tie in standings points, advancement will be determined according to the
following:
1. Head to Head
2. Most Wins
3. Goal Differential (subject to maximum +4 goal differential rule stated above)
4. Goals For (number of goals your team has scored – subject to maximum goal differential
rule, 4 goals per match)
5. Goals Against (number of goals your team has let in –NOT subject to maximum goal
differential rule)
6. Most Shutouts
7. Coin Toss
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In the event that more than two teams are tied, the above rules will be applied until one team is
eliminated. The process then repeats (starting at Criteria 1 each time) until only one team is left.
If a winner cannot be determined the following procedure will be used: under the supervision of
the Referees’ Committee and/or Site Director will complete a coin toss.
SEMI-FINALS
The number of teams advancing to the semi-finals is dependent upon the final schedule of the
tournament and when applicable. Semi-final games will be the same length of time as group play
within that age group. There will be a five-minute interval between halves unless the tournament
committee determines that semi-final games need to be shortened due to weather or other
unforeseen circumstances. No overtime. In the event of a tie, FIFA knockout competition rules
for the “Taking of kicks from the penalty mark” shall apply.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
Championship games games will be the same length of time as group play within that age group.
There will be a five-minute interval between halves unless the tournament committee determines
that championship games need to be shortened due to weather or other unforeseen
circumstances. No overtime. In the event of a tie, FIFA knock-out competition rules for the
“Taking of kicks from the penalty mark” shall apply. In the event the game is still tied, FIFA
rules for the “Taking of kicks from the penalty mark” shall apply. Teams will alternate kicks at
the same goal, with the goal selected by the referee. Best of five, (or more, if necessary), kicks
shall prevail. All eligible players, including the goalkeepers, must kick before any player may
repeat. Only players on the field at the conclusion of time will be eligible to take kicks, these
players must remain within the field of play after the conclusion of time.
In the event that one of the two teams qualifying for the championship game declines to appear,
at the discretion of the Tournament Committee, the next highest ranked team in that division,
based upon tournament record, may be substituted for the team declining to appear.
AWARDS
9U and 10U age group will be jamboree events. All participants should report to the
Headquarters tent at their venue on Sunday with their Coach to receive their participation
medals. All other age groups, Championship teams should report to the Headquarters tent to
receive their championship plague and medals at the conclusion of the championship match or
group play when appropriate.
PLAYER SAFETY
Nordic Cup committee will attempt to have a certified athletic trainer at each venue. These
individuals will provide a “tent” service.” For any pre or post game treatment, athletes should
supply the ATC with any medical supplies (tape, pre wrap, etc.). ATC will be beckon by Field
Marshalls to fields only in situations of medical emergency.
Nordic Cup Concussion Protocol: This protocol is currently being created. Check back at a later
date for more details.
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It is expected that coaches will keep players who have sustained injuries off the field. Players
wearing a PERMANENT CAST SHALL SHALL BE ELIGIBLE to participate in any game with
with WRITTEN approval from a doctor, and judgment as to safety is at the discretion of the
referee. In addition, soft braces can be worn, with WRITTEN approval from a doctor, and
judgment as to safety is at the discretion of the referee.
UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT
A player’s uniform will consist of shirt, shorts, socks, shin guards, and footwear. Team uniform
shirts must have a number on the back. Each player shall have a different number and this
number must be the same as listed on the official tournament roster. In the event of a color
conflict, the home team will change color. The home team is the first team listed on the schedule.
Goalkeepers shall wear colors that distinguish them from the other players on both teams and
from the referee.
GAME BALL
The tournament will supply one game ball at each field. Each team should also be prepared to
supply 1 FIFA approved game ball each if the tournament game ball is lost or misplaced.
FIELD MARSHALS
Field Marshals will be present at all fields. All participants should be aware that the Marshals
have the authority and right to remove any unruly or uncivil spectators from the game field
perimeter and/or the field complex area. All Coaches have total responsibility for the conduct of
their players, substitutes, friends and spectators at all times.
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR AND COMMITTEE
In the event of conditions beyond the Tournament Committee's control, final decisions with
respect to game cancellations, shortenings or terminations shall lie solely with the Tournament
Director and Committee. The Tournament Director and Committee, in conjunction with the
Referees' Committee, reserves the right to change field assignments. In addition, the Tournament
Director and Committee reserves the right to change sectional and divisional assignments in the
interest of fair and balanced competition.
PROTESTS
No protests will be considered.
REFUND POLICY
Nordic Soccer Club charges a $25 administrative fee on any refund.
If a team withdraws after registration/applying for the Nordic Cup Tournament:
Prior to or on May 5th, 2017 = The team will receive 50% amount refunded minus the $25
administrative fee.
If a team withdraws after registration/applying for the Nordic Cup Tournament:
On or after May 6th, 2017 = The team is not eligible for a refund.
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GENERAL PROHIBITONS
Alcoholic beverages and smoking are prohibited at any tournament location, including parking
areas.
DISCLAIMER
The Tournament Director, members of the Tournament Committee, Nordic Soccer Club, its
members and board of directors, any participating associations, colleges, advertisers, school
districts and recreation departments, and related municipalities will not be responsible for any
expenses incurred by any team, player, or spectator nor will they be held liable for any injury of
any player, coach, or spectator that may result from the participation in, or travel to and from the
tournament. Each team will be responsible for its own medical and liability insurance. The
tournament director and committee reserves the right to decide on all matters pertaining to the
conduct and administration of the tournament and their judgment shall be deemed as final.
UPDATED: 2/27/17
This document is currently in DRAFT form. Please check back on a regular basis to see updates.
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